Cities you must visit in 2018

These are the cities you must visit in 2018.

In case you missed it, Travel+Leisure recently compiled a list of the top cities from around the world as part of their annual World’s Best Awards survey.

These results are based on what the travelling public think.

Some of the metrics used in the survey include the quality of the sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value, and not surprisingly, many of these top-rated cities are found in Asia – which is why this exotic corner of the world remains one of our favourite travel regions!

1. HOI AN, VIETNAM

Escape the bustling metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and spend a day or two strolling through Hoi An’s Old Town, a place where wooden Chinese shop houses, temples and pagodas stand next to colourful French colonial buildings. Although you may come for the atmosphere, this is Vietnam, so it’s the amazing food that’s going to keep you coming back for more!

Hoi An can be visited as a part of our 12-day Vietnam at a Glance itinerary.

2. CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

The jewel of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai delivers on delicious food (try the Khao Soi), friendly people, Buddhist temples, waterfalls, hiking, and exceptional value for money. Founded in 1296, this former capital city still retains its charms as well as its fortified walls and moats from earlier times.

The 13-day Thailand Highlights itinerary will take you to this amazing city, plus many more Thai must-visits. We can design any itinerary for your holidays from Belfast and Dublin.

3. LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

Luang Prabang is one of those places that changes your plans: one day set aside for the town inevitably becomes three, and then before you know it, one whole week has passed! It’s so beautiful and full of history and charm in fact, that the entire place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1995.

Temples, Royal Palaces, amazing food, nearby waterfalls, friendly people, and the chance to witness ancient traditions (such as the morning alms round) – now isn’t that a recipe for a great time?

Spend four nights in this charming town on the 14-day Highlights of Laos itinerary, all available for your holidays from Belfast and Dublin.

4. KYOTO, JAPAN

The former capital of the Land of the Rising Sun, Kyoto is temples, history, Shinto shrines and geishas all wrapped up in one easily explored city. Kyoto is traditional Japan in all its amazing glory, which makes an interesting contrast with its present capital Tokyo.

Check out the 12-day Jewels of Japan itinerary which visits Kyoto, Tokyo and other unforgettable Japanese cities. Japan is becoming ever popular for holidays from Belfast and Dublin.

5. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

As the launching pad for Angkor Wat, Siem Reap in northwestern Cambodia could rest on its laurels and still attract the tourists.

But no, this bustling city has reinvented itself in the last decade as one of the most hip-and-happening places in Cambodia, a city where world-class dining, chic hotels and spas, and outdoor adventure activities all converge in the one spot.

Experience that Siem Reap is more than just Angkor Wat for yourself on the 14-day Around Cambodia itinerary. All available for your holidays from Belfast and Dublin.

6. UDAIPUR, INDIA

Located in colourful Rajasthan, Udaipur is one of those mesmerising Indian cities that leaves a lasting impression on you and takes up most of the space on your memory card. Another former capital, Udaipur was founded in 1559 and was built around a set of artificial lakes and a stunning complex of 11 royal palaces, courtyards and gardens.

Udaipur features as part of the 21-day Rajasthan Panorama itinerary.

Are you ready to experience these amazing cities in 2018? We look forward to helping you plan your holidays from Belfast and Dublin in 2018.